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Who was Dr Joseph Stothert? Omaha mayor’s husband found dead at home from apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound

The 72-year-old husband of Mayor Jean Stothert was a critical care physician. He had experience in several high-profile trauma cases at Nebraska Medicine and worked as medical director for Omaha Fire Department's paramedic training program for 18 years

OMAHA, NEBRASKA: Police have launched a probe into the case of Dr Joseph Stothert, who died allegedly from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The 72-year-old was the husband of Omaha mayor Jean Stothert and was found dead at the family's home on Friday noon, March 5. Reports said that nothing happened to the mayor and she is safe. OPD Officer Phil Anson said in an email to WOWT, “The mayor is safe and no foul play is suspected."

Jean, who belongs to the Republican party, became mayor in 2013 and is running for her third term. The grieving family in a statement said, “It is with great sadness today that we share the tragic loss of Joe Stothert with family, friends, and our loving community. Joe’s dedication and affection for everyone he cared for serve as a bright light of human kindness for all of us to follow. Our family asks for your prayers at this very difficult time. We will need them. We also ask for privacy so our family may grieve and remember an extraordinary and caring husband, father and grandfather.”

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As per reports, the victim was a board-certified critical care physician. He had experience in several high-profile trauma cases at Nebraska Medicine. Dr Stothert also worked as the medical director for the Omaha Fire Department's paramedic training program for 18 years. In 2020, he was selected as state medical director for trauma. Jean and the victim tied the knot in 1981 after they met at St. Louis University, where the mayor worked as a critical care nurse and later as head nurse and department head of cardiovascular surgery.

As the death of Dr Stothert came out, tributes started pouring in. Nebraska Medicine and University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC) said, “The entire Nebraska Medicine and UNMC community sends its deepest condolences to the Stothert family. Dr. Stothert was a talented surgeon who saved countless lives in his years of service to Omaha and the region. His legacy lives on through the medical students, residents and faculty colleagues he taught and mentored. Our thoughts and prayers are with the mayor and all of Dr. Stothert’s colleagues at the medical center."

Omaha Police Officer Association President Tony Connor stated, “My deepest sympathies and condolences to Jean Stothert and her family. Dr. Joe Stothert was a widely respected and dedicated public servant whose work had a profound impact on the law enforcement community. I am heartbroken for the Mayor and her family will be in our prayers."

Commissioner Mary Ann Borgeson, chairwoman of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners also released a statement that read, “On behalf of the Douglas County Board of Commissioners, we send our most sincere condolences to Mayor Jean Stothert and her family during this very difficult time. The Stothert family is in our thoughts and prayers. Dr. Joe Stothert did a fantastic job serving as Douglas County’s 911 Communications Medical Director. He will be sorely missed.”

“I extend my deepest sympathy to Mayor Jean Stothert and her family for their loss of her husband Joe. Joe’s significant contribution to the Omaha medical community and his support for the City of Omaha will be greatly missed. Sandi and I share our prayers with the mayor and her family,” Attorney General Doug Peterson added.

A person on Twitter wrote, "My deepest condolences and prayers to Omaha Mayor Jean Stothert and her family." Another user added, "My heart goes out to Mayor @Jean_Stothert in regards to today’s events."